Alfuzosin 2025 Price & Uses: Comprehensive Guide on Dosage, Side Effects, and Interactions

Key Facts About Alfuzosin

1. Available as both a generic medication and under the brand name Uroxatral.
2. Comes exclusively in an extended-release oral tablet form for consistent therapeutic effects.
3. Primarily prescribed to adult men for treating benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), helping to relax prostate and bladder muscles to ease urinary symptoms.

Critical Safety Information

• Blood Pressure Alert: Alfuzosin can cause sudden drops in blood pressure, especially when moving from sitting or lying down to standing. This may lead to dizziness or fainting. Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you understand how the medication affects you. If dizziness occurs, lie down with legs elevated and consult your healthcare provider if symptoms persist.
• Heart-Related Warning: Serious heart side effects, including worsening chest pain or angina, may occur. If you experience sharp or squeezing chest pain, pain radiating to arms, neck, or back, difficulty breathing, sweating, dizziness, or nausea, seek immediate medical attention and discontinue alfuzosin.

What is Alfuzosin?

Alfuzosin is a prescription alpha-blocker medication available as an extended-release oral tablet. It is marketed under the brand name Uroxatral and also available as a more affordable generic option. Generic versions may vary in availability depending on strength and form.

Purpose and Mechanism

Alfuzosin treats benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), commonly known as an enlarged prostate, by relaxing smooth muscles in the prostate and bladder. This action improves urine flow and reduces BPH symptoms.

It specifically targets alpha-1 receptors in these areas, minimizing urinary obstruction without affecting other body systems.

Potential Side Effects

While Alfuzosin does not typically cause drowsiness, it may lead to other side effects.

Common Side Effects

• Dizziness
• Headache
• Fatigue or tiredness

These mild symptoms often resolve within days to weeks. Consult your doctor if they worsen or persist.

Serious Side Effects

Seek immediate medical help if you experience:

• Severe blood pressure drops causing fainting or loss of consciousness
• Prolonged erections (priapism) lasting more than 4 hours, which can cause permanent damage if untreated

Note: This information is not exhaustive. Always discuss side effects with your healthcare provider.

Drug Interactions to Consider

Alfuzosin can interact with various medications, potentially altering its effectiveness or increasing side effects. Inform your doctor about all drugs, supplements, and herbs you use.

Medications to Avoid or Use with Caution

• Other Alpha-Blockers: Such as doxazosin, prazosin, silodosin, tamsulosin, and terazosin, which may amplify side effects.
• Blood Pressure Medications: Including ACE inhibitors (e.g., lisinopril), ARBs (e.g., losartan), beta-blockers (e.g., metoprolol), calcium channel blockers (e.g., amlodipine), diuretics, vasodilators, and nitrates, which can increase risk of hypotension.
• Erectile Dysfunction Drugs: PDE-5 inhibitors like sildenafil and tadalafil may cause dangerously low blood pressure when combined with alfuzosin.
• CYP3A4 Enzyme Inhibitors: Such as ketoconazole, itraconazole, and ritonavir, which may elevate alfuzosin levels and side effects.

Always consult your healthcare provider before combining medications.

Important Precautions

Allergy Risks

Severe allergic reactions, including difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, rash, or fever, require emergency medical attention. Do not use alfuzosin again if you have had an allergic reaction to it.

Special Populations

• Liver Impairment: Avoid use in moderate to severe liver disease due to increased drug accumulation.
• Kidney Problems: Use cautiously in severe kidney impairment.
• Heart Conditions: Use with caution if you have QT prolongation or are taking QT-prolonging drugs.
• Prostate Cancer Screening: Because BPH and prostate cancer share symptoms, your doctor will perform necessary tests before prescribing alfuzosin.
• Cataract Surgery Patients: Inform your eye surgeon if you are taking or have taken alfuzosin to reduce risk of intraoperative floppy iris syndrome.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Not indicated for women; safety not established.
• Older Adults: May have increased risk of side effects due to slower drug clearance.
• Children: Not recommended for use.

How to Use Alfuzosin

Dosage depends on age, medical condition, and response to treatment. Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions carefully.

Available Forms and Strengths

• Generic Alfuzosin: 10 mg extended-release tablets
• Brand Uroxatral: 10 mg extended-release tablets

Typical Adult Dosage for BPH

10 mg once daily, taken with food to maximize absorption.

Not approved for pediatric use.

Adherence and Safety Tips

• Take alfuzosin consistently with meals at the same time daily.
• Do not crush or chew tablets.
• If a dose is missed, take it as soon as remembered unless it is near the next scheduled dose. Do not double dose.
• Store medication at room temperature (59°F–86°F), away from moisture and light.
• Carry medication with you when traveling; avoid placing it in checked luggage or exposed to extreme temperatures.

Availability and Insurance

Not all pharmacies stock alfuzosin, so verify availability ahead of time. Many insurance plans require prior authorization before coverage.

Alternative Treatments

Several other medications exist to manage BPH. Consult your healthcare provider to determine the best option tailored to your needs.

Disclaimer: This guide aims to provide accurate and current information but is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting or changing any medication regimen.

Discover the latest news and current events in Sexual Wellness as of 19-09-2017. The article titled " Alfuzosin 2025 Price & Uses: Comprehensive Guide on Dosage, Side Effects, and Interactions " provides you with the most relevant and reliable information in the Sexual Wellness field. Each news piece is thoroughly analyzed to deliver valuable insights to our readers.

The information in " Alfuzosin 2025 Price & Uses: Comprehensive Guide on Dosage, Side Effects, and Interactions " helps you make better-informed decisions within the Sexual Wellness category. Our news articles are continuously updated and adhere to journalistic standards.